Ferrofluid Core Electric Motor Reduces Core Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric motors experience efficiency degradation due to core loss caused by the realignment of ferromagnetic particles in ferromagnetic cores when subjected to changing magnetic fields, leading to excessive heat generation.

Innovation Solution

The use of a ferrofluid core instead of a traditional ferromagnetic core for the solenoids in the stator, which reduces overheating and aids in heat dissipation, thereby minimizing core loss and enhancing motor efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a traditional ferromagnetic core is used in solenoids, then the magnetic field can be concentrated and guided effectively, but core loss occurs due to continuous realignment of ferromagnetic particles causing excessive heat generation and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore lossVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the core material from solid ferromagnetic material to liquid ferrofluid. This parameter change (from solid to liquid state) eliminates the continuous realignment problem of ferromagnetic particles, thereby reducing core loss and heat generation while maintaining magnetic field concentration capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies hydraulic principles by using ferrofluid (a liquid medium) instead of solid ferromagnetic material. The ferrofluid circulates within the solenoid structure, utilizing fluid dynamics to manage heat dissipation while maintaining magnetic properties, thus resolving the contradiction between magnetic field concentration and heat generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ferrofluid core motor operates with increased efficiency by reducing core loss and effectively dissipating heat, leading to improved performance and reduced energy wastage.

Implementation Method 1

the solenoids in the stator utilize a ferrofluid core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerrofluid: Ferrofluid

Implementation Method 2

A ferromagnetic core is often used to concentrate and guide the magnetic field generated by the solenoids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field concentration: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The ferrofluid is less susceptible to overheating and aids in the dissipation of any generated heat to the surrounding structures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 4

A controller is adapted to selectively direct current through the first plurality of coils to induce a second magnetic field to interact with the first magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 5

The second magnetic field substantially exhibits a second Halbach flux distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3122605B1Electric motor with halbach array and ferrofluid core
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 140ENERGY
  • EP3122605B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3122605B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3122605B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An electric motor apparatus is described that utilizes a Halbach array and a ferrofluid core. The electric motor comprises a rotor assembly and a stator assembly, each of which utilizes a Halbach array. A ferrofluid core is utilized in the stator, which results in a motor that is less susceptible to core loss and operates with increased efficiency.